Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows, Xbox, Mac
Release Date: 16th August 2024
Farewell North is a masterclass in storytelling by developer Kyle Banks that takes you on a physical and emotional journey through the remote islands of northern Scotland. In Farewell North you play as a border collie called Chesley as you help your human through grief and support them as they try to move forward with their life.
The game really nails the feeling of being a dog. Not that I have ever been a dog, but you know what I mean! You are encouraged to explore, dig, and chase wildlife to help your human companion on their journey. I particularly liked a mechanic where in certain areas a path may be blocked, so you have to look at it through the gap between two trees to unblock the way. It is almost like this game explains all the bizarre behavior that dogs have, and made me see things from a dog's eye view!
There were a few moments in which you had to herd sheep and these sections I did find a little frustrating. I have personally always found herding animals tedious in games, ever since Red Dead Redemption back in 2010. I do understand why herding sheep is key to a game about a border collie and it made sense within the context of the story, I just personally think shepherding is not my forte. There are also sections of the game where you control a kayak. At first I found these frustrating, but once I got used to the rhythm of paddling I actually really enjoyed these sections.
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I was invested in every bit of dialogue. This may sound like an odd comparison but it kind of reminded me of God of War. There are sections of God of War where you are sailing around listening to conversations between Kratos and Atreus and I would often find myself not wanting to get off the boat because I wanted to hear the end of what was being said. This was very similar, I wanted to hear every single bit of dialogue throughout this game because I was so curious and invested in the story.
The visual storytelling is where Farewell North really shines! It strikes the perfect balance between showing and telling. There are moments in the game where your human will become overwhelmed with grief and stay frozen in one place. During these sections, we see a dark barrier surround them along with giant shadows of crying people. Your job as her companion is to break through the darkness and help them move forward, which anyone with a pet will really relate to.
Also, the sections I adored were when the environment around you would morph into a different location to show a memory. For instance, there is a section where one of the islands starts to form into a bustling street and the way it is done is so clever and immersive that I really became invested in Chesley's story.
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This is a game you need to play with the audio on because the music in particular is truly beautiful. I welled up at the end of this game and that was partly because of the story, but mainly it was the music that really hit me. John Konsolakis has composed a masterpiece and the traditional Scottish feel of the soundtrack really immerses you in the beauty that is the Highlands.
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Overall I really do recommend picking up and playing Farewell North if you are a fan of unique storytelling and beautiful music/art. There are also collectibles so there is definite replay value. There are some moments in the game where the mechanics can be a little frustrating and I did get lost a handful of times. But these were minor blips on an otherwise flawless game. The story of Farewell North will stay with me for a very long time (particularly the ending).
8/10
Read my interview with developer Kyle Banks here
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